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Three-year ban for thug who clashed with fans

A THUG has been has been banned from going to football grounds for three years after he took part in a violent clash with rival supporters.

Stephen Oldland, aged 40, from Walkden, along with Adam Freeman, aged 44, from east London, and Carl Messer, aged 40, from St Albans, Hertfordshire, were given the threeyear banning orders by Manchester Magistrates’ Court.

The court was shown a catalogue of evidence compiled by police showing the three men, who went to watch Manchester United, involved in a string of misdemeanours at home and away matches. All three took part in violent clashes with Manchester City fans outside The Manchester, a pub near the Etihad Stadium, after the third round FA Cup derby match in January.

PC Ashley Keyte from Greater Manchester Police’s Force Events Section, said: “We do not consider these men to be football fans, as to do so would be a slur on the vast majority of decent supporters who go to games and behave impeccably.

“Football-related violence has no part in modern society, yet some individuals still think it’s acceptable to brawl with others for no other reason than their allegiance to another team.

“We work hard with football clubs across Greater Manchester to ensure those who are convicted are banned from not only the ground of the team they support, but every single stadium in the UK.”

Freeman, Oldland and Messer were each issued a minimum of £3,000 costs, and additional Manchester United conditions.